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Lost dad? Join the club
Thursday, 05 November 2009
Father knows best: Adam Porter with son Dylan
By Peter Harmer
A STAY-AT-HOME dad is running a support group for other fathers who might need help looking after their children. Adam Porter, 31, of Leslie Road, East Finchley, runs the Dads Club, set up by a friend, for fathers of children under five. He said: “I’ve seen lots of men walking with prams looking lost for things to do with their kids. “Most playgroups are mainly mums which is quite intimidating. Some look at a you as if they’re thinking ‘what are you doing here’. “I’ve been looking after my son, Dylan, for over a year now, so I’m used to it – it’s probably helped bring me out of my shell a bit.” “We offer a friendly, informal support network with events like picnics in the park.” Mr Porter says most of the dads he sees look after their children a few days a week. “I’m still in a minority caring for the family full-time,” he added. “A number of our members have been made redundant in the recession, so for them it’s a transitional period.” The club is one of only three such groups for men in London. Mr Porter chose to stay at home rather than his wife leaving work as she had the better salary so it made financial sense. “If I worked, I’d have to pay every pound I earned to a stranger to look after my child,” he explained. “And what’s the point of having kids if you never see them?”
Lost dad? Join the club
Thursday, 05 November 2009
Father knows best: Adam Porter with son Dylan
By Peter Harmer
A STAY-AT-HOME dad is running a support group for other fathers who might need help looking after their children. Adam Porter, 31, of Leslie Road, East Finchley, runs the Dads Club, set up by a friend, for fathers of children under five. He said: “I’ve seen lots of men walking with prams looking lost for things to do with their kids. “Most playgroups are mainly mums which is quite intimidating. Some look at a you as if they’re thinking ‘what are you doing here’. “I’ve been looking after my son, Dylan, for over a year now, so I’m used to it – it’s probably helped bring me out of my shell a bit.” “We offer a friendly, informal support network with events like picnics in the park.” Mr Porter says most of the dads he sees look after their children a few days a week. “I’m still in a minority caring for the family full-time,” he added. “A number of our members have been made redundant in the recession, so for them it’s a transitional period.” The club is one of only three such groups for men in London. Mr Porter chose to stay at home rather than his wife leaving work as she had the better salary so it made financial sense. “If I worked, I’d have to pay every pound I earned to a stranger to look after my child,” he explained. “And what’s the point of having kids if you never see them?”
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